Proximate, Mineral and Phytochemical Analysis of the Leaves of H. myriantha and Urera trinervis

Abstract

The vegetal materials were bought on 20th October, 2010 at the local Total market from Bacongo, South-Brazzaville. The proximate and phytochemical compositions of the leaves of H. myriantha and Urera trinervis were investigated in accordance with standard procedures. Mineral concentrations were determined by using flame photometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer and calorimetry. The proximate analysis revealed high moisture (62.90%), crude protein (24.18%) and energy content values (562.19 kJ/100 g) in U. trinervis leaves while the carbohydrate (06.07%), crude fat (1.32%) and ash content (5.54%) were low. Similarly H. myriantha showed a high content of crude protein (25.37%), energy (1508.32 kJ/100 g) and carbohydrate (60.02%) however, the moisture (6.93%), crude fat (1.54%) and ash content (6.14%) were low. The minerals present in both plant leaves were phosphorus (18.97 and 18.73% for H. myriantha and U. trinervis, respectively), followed by potassium (1.25 and 1.29%), calcium and magnesium, which were found in very low concentrations (0.21-0.29%). While sodium, iron and manganese were present as trace elements (0.02-0.09%), aluminum was not detected. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, triterpenoids and steroids. Flavonoids were absent solely in H. myriantha while saponins and anthraquinones were not detected in both samples. The study showed that these vegetables contained nutrients, mineral elements and phytochemicals that were nutritionally important for body health. Thus they could be recommended in Congolese nutrition with nutrient and non-nutrient supplementation to help in various protective and therapeutic actions for consumers.

Phytochemical Screening, Elemental and Proximate Analysis of Maerua angolensis (Capparaceaea) Stem Bark

“…Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants. The efficiency of medicinal plants for therapeutic purposes is often based on their organic constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and essential oils [11]. Traditionally the usage of plant in curing illness has deep roots in human history [8].…”

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Nutritional Profiles of Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Mc Vaugh) Leaf Collected in Jos, North Central, Nigeria

“…Mineral analyses were carried out according [13]. Elemental analyses were carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and a flame photometer to determine calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium content.…”

“…In Africa, many studies have indicated that a vast number of indigenous wild plants play a significant role in the diet of the populace [4]. Vegetables are the cheapest and most available sources of important nutrients, supplying the body with minerals salts, vitamins and certain hormone precursors, protein, energy and essential amino acids [5]. These make the different vegetables of high importance.…”

Mineral Composition and Nutritive Analysis of Bulbine Abyssinica A. Rich. Used in the Treatment of Infections and Complications Associated With Diabetes Mellitus in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

“…Medicinal plants have contributed immensely to health care in Africa and are known to play important roles as source of food and maintenance of good health. These plants are assessable and cheap sources of important nutrients, macro and micro elements, vitamins, certain hormone precursors, protein, energy and essential amino acids (Marcel and Bievenu, 2012). These phytoconstituents have crucial nutritional importance in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetics (Marcel and Bievenu, 2012).…”